BEIJING: China`s foreign minister met Myanmar`s junta leader in Naypyidaw on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in the Southeast Asian country and strengthening bilateral ties.

Qin Gang said after a meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing that his visit `not only indicates the friendship of the two countries but also China`s stance on Myanmar on the world stage`.

Myanmar has been in political and economic turmoil since the military in 2021 overthrew Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi`s elected government and led deadly attacks on pro-democracy opponents. Most of the globalcommunity, especially Western powers, has increasingly shunned the junta, but China and Russia remain firm allies of the military regime.

Qin discussed Myanmar`s stability and development with the general, a television channel said.

`They exchanged opinions on the political situation in Myanmar and actions for stability and development, increasing bordertrade,andcooperation on energy, including investments,` the broadcaster said.

Qin will head to India from Myanmar to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation grouping.-Reuters